davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Connecticut western news., 1887-07-20
DEATH OF FREDERICK KRUPP,
The Greatest Cannon Maker in The World Dies in Rhenish Prussia.

BERLIN, July l4.-Alfred Krupp, the we'll known metal founder and gigantic steel gun manufacturer, died to-day in his villa near Els sen, Rhenish Prussia. Herr Krupp was born in E sen in lSl2.
 Sixty years ago the father of Alfred Krupp founded the manufactory which, in his sons hands, grew to such enormous proportions. His father started the works on a very small scale and with limited means. At first he em- ployed only two workmen. The manufactory had grown to large proportions before old MT. Krupp's son, Alfred, made the discovery that put his establishment far ahead of all similar concerns in the world. He discovered the method of casting steel in very large masses. In 1851 he sent to the London Exhibition a block of steel weighing 4.50O pounds, and he has for years been able to cast steel in one mass weighing more than 40o, ,00o pounds. He manufactured great variety of articles for use Tn various peaceful industries, but his worldwide fame was made by tho production of the enormous steel siege guns with which the Germans did such terrible execution when they invested Paris.
 Krupp made his first cannon in 1S46. Tho guns he produced at that time were small field pieces, but he rapidly increased the size of his cannon, and twenty years ago they were bought in largo numbers by all the European powers. For several years past Krupp has given regular employment in his iron mines, steel factories and foundries to over 15, 900 men.
 In 1864 krupp declined to accept the letters of nobility offered to him by the King of Prns- sia.' He was one of the wealthiest men in Ger many, and did much for tho welfare of his nu- merous employees. A few weeks ago it was announced that he intended to start daily newspaper at Essen for the benefit of his work men. Some of Krupp's processes ill the mauu- facture of steel and the making of cannon were very carefully kept from the knowledge of the outside world. None but employees were ad- mitted to his gre,t fouudries. The commis- sion appointed by this government few year, ago to study the question of cannon foundr es and armaments abroad tried in vain to get Krupps permission to enter his works.
Connecticut western news., 1887-07-20
Seats at Royal Proccssions.

The growth of prices for seats to sec royal processions in London is noted in extant works on coronations. In Ed ward the First's time farthing was given On the accession of Richard II the price had risen to penny. From Henry V's coronation to Henry VII's the sum asked was twopence, or half of a grosus, or groat A whole groat was charged in Henry VIIIs day, and until Elizabeth, when teston or tester, or six pence, was charged. A shilling was given to view the coronation procession of James I half crown was the recog- mzed figure in Charles IFS time. A crown was paid in William ITS day. Half guinea was given at George IFS coronation; and curiosity was considered to have risen to an amazing height when in some houses ten guineas, and in ordi- nary houses five guincas, were given to view the procession at George tho Fourth's coronation.- London Tele- graph.
Connecticut western news., 1887-07-20
PNEUMATIC GUN CARRIAGES. An Invention to Control the Move.
 ments of Heavy Ordnance.

The great ffty-four ton gun at Sandy Hook, which has been fired over hundred times, is mounted on 8 siege carriage built by the Pneu- matic Gun Company. Before it was accepted five rounds, with two hundred and sixfy-fye pounds of prismatic powder and eight hundred pound shot. were fired, and the test was in every way satisfactory. One man controlled apparatus. The Naval Board appointed by the Secretary of the Navy to examinine the car riage at Sandy Hook reported that the control of the recoil by the pneumatic system was sat isfactory; the carriage was unGcr perfect con- trol at all times when traversing; the eleyating worked quickly and stopped promptly, and, finally, the B ard considered that rccoil and the perfect control when traversing was sufficiently satisfactory to commend it to the favorable consideration of the Navy Department. The Board was of the opinion that tGe pneumatic system as applied to the working of the guns, turning the tur- rets and steering the United States monitors was perfectly feasible, and recommended that such system be carried out by the depart ment upon one of the sister vessels of the Mi antonomoh.
 It is also proposed to load the heavy guns by the same system. The plans have been submitted to the Ordnance Bureau for exani- nation and approval, It is this appliance which promises to greatly increase the eff ciency not only of the great monitors now be- ing finished, but also the moro satisfactory handling of the guns on the naval vessels now being or about to be constructed. Saving of time and labor in loading and firing has now become as essential as increased speed in our naval cruisers. Secretary Whitney is conf- dent that the armament and outfit of the first of the new naval vessels will challenge the ad- miration of the world.
Connecticut western news., 1887-07-20
A Southern Editor Killed,

J. S. Hoskins, Jr., one of the editors of the Bulh tin. was xii ed in Lexington. Ky, by R. B. Chatham. Chatham is the Chairman of the Republican Executive Committee of Holmes county and also candidate for the Legislature, and young Hoskins' father is one of the Democratic nominees for the legislature and editor in chief of the Bulletin. MT. Chat ham and young Hoskins had Ecen discussing politics and drinking freely during the day up to 4 o'clock when n dispute arose over some frivolous matter, when Hoskins left, to return in five minutes, stating that upon his return he would ''shoot it out.' When he returned and got within a few feet of Chatham he YVES fired at, but without effect. Upon be- ing shot at Hoskins turned and ran into store, and as he was entering the door Chat ham shot the second time, tho ball taking effect in Hoskins's back, passing entirely through his body, and killing him almost in stantly. The affair is generally condemned, as Hoskins was quite young and entirely un- armed and was insane with drink.
Connecticut western news., 1887-07-20
WRECK OF THE MERRINIACK.
Driven Ashore on a Clear, Calm
 Night-Passengers Robbed.

HALIFAX, July 13.-The story of the wreck of the steamer Merrimack, as told by passen- gers, Is most remarkable. IT. people on the steamer escaped terrible fate, but aliege that their baggage was rifled and many valuable articles stolen. The passengers declare that thesc depredations were committed by the crew, who, immediately after the ship struck, secured liquor and became drunk.
 The facts are told as follows: Nearly all the passengers were sound asleep, when suddenly, about l21/ o'clock Saturday night, there camo half dozen shrlll whistles, followed imme- diately by several heavy shocks, and tearing, grinding sounds. Capt. Crowell, the pilot, and two officers were on deck when the steamer struck, and, so far as learned, could give no satisfactory reason why they were so close to the coast. The weather was perfectly clear, and the light on Little Hope Island could be distinctly seen about 500 yards from the vessel The steamer was going at full speed when she struck, and tossed about so fearfully that those on deck had to hold on for their lives or they would have been dashed into the water. Indescribable confusion pro vailed as the work of launching the boats was commenced. Most of the men managed to get their clothes on, but the women and chil- dren were too excited to dress themselves, and when they were taken from the steamer nearly all were only half clad. It was at this time that the pillaging of the passengers luggage took place, and when their owners, after ascer- taining that the vessel would not go down at once, went 10 tnelr rooms 10 secure tnelr prop- erty they found it strewn on the floor, with tho most valuable portions gone.
 There was some delay in getting the boats afoat, caused apparently by poor manage ment, but eventually everybody was safely re- moved from the vessel. The women and chill dren, numbering about sixty, were put together in four boats, while the male passengers and crew were put in three other boats and two life rafts.
 While assisting in launching boat Capt. CrOwell was dashed against the smoke stack by sudden lurch of the steamer and had sev- eral ribs broken.
 The four boats in which the ladies had been placed started for the mainland in charge of the chief officer, and they were all landed early in the morning at Catherine's River, where they are now being cared for.
 After daylight men landed on the island, but not wi bout confronting considerable diff fculty and danger. The second officer man. aged 10 pilot one of the rafts through the breakers, and rope was then run out, by the assistance of which everybody was at last land ed in safety. The men on the island and ladies and children on the mainland received the greatest attention.
 The wreck is believed to have been caused by disordered compass, statement to that effect having been made by the Merrimack's pilot shortly after the disaster.
 The cargo taken from Halifax by the Merri- mack consisted chiefly of fish and was worth nearly 1000. It was insured here for $9, 400, of which $3, 400 was in American agencies.
Connecticut western news., 1887-07-20
A Bold Railroad Thief.

The new general manager of the Wabash Western, Charles NJ. Hays, and several of his lieutenants, including General Freight Agent Knight and Assistant General Passenger Agent Crane. wero subjected to an experience that they will remember for some time. The party left tho Union station in St. Louis, Mo-, for Chicago, III. The general managers pri- vate car was attached to the regular Wabash train, and about a:3O MT. Hays ard Mir Knight and several others retired in the two state rooms. MT. Crane preferred an ordinary sec ton, and the porter fell asleep near the door. About 3 o'clock in the morning, when the train was within T5 miles from Chicago, Mir. Crane was awakened by a masked man with a pistol. He pushed the muzzle of the weapon close up to MT. Cranes temple and ordered him tc turn over all his money or say his pray CTS. Mir. Crane passed over all he had. The robber then compelled him to turn over his gold watch and chain, which was promptly dcne Finding no other victims lying around loose the robbcr attempted to force the door of the state rooms, and only succeeded in arous- ing the negro He covered the negro with his pistol and made him pull the bell cor1. When the train slowed up the thief jumped andmade :.
Connecticut western news., 1887-07-20
An Office Boys Lucky Mistake.

The St. Paul Press gives this story, which one may believe or not, just as he or she pleases:
 In real estate office the other day 1 heard gentleman relating the expert ence of an Eastern friend of his who, many years ago, for a bad debt @ of $2O, ,00O, was compelled to accept Vest ern land at an estimated value of $15, 900. He paid constantly increasing taxes upon the land for a number of years without going to see it. One day his agent telegraphed to him, asking him what he would take for the land, which had finally come to be far within, the corporate limits of Chicago. Th4 owner figured that, taxes and interest," the land had cost him $50, 900, and more ill a joke than anything else-not dream ing that the offer would be accepted wrote a telegram saying that he would take $50,000 cash for the property. He sent the message by his office boy, when the clerk insisted that the sum be spell ed out ill the message. The office boy rewrote it, and by mistake wrote $500,- GOO instead of $50, ,OOO In an hour back came the reply: "Offer of half a million dollars accepted. Make deed and come on and get certified check" The man made his office boy handsome present for his clerical errcr and gave his old time debtor $25, ,0O0 with which to rees- tablish himself in business.
Connecticut western news., 1887-07-20
A Newspapcr Misses goo oOO

Joseph NJ. White, who has been cashier of the Philadelphia Iunes newspaper for about ten years, is said to be a defaulter to the amount of at least S2OOOO An examination of MT. White es books was made a short time ago, and as a consequence he was asked to ten der his resignation, which ho did. As indicat- ed by the books, the speculations had been go- ing on for at least nine years. Suspicion was at various times aroused by the extravagant habits of White, but it was dispelled by tho statement made by himself that his wife had fallen heir to quite a large sum ot money It now appears, however, that neither he nor his Wife has any property or money beyond Whites income from his position, and that the money taken by him has been sqllandered in lavish way in maintaining position in society which bis salary or S2, 500 per year would not warrant
Connecticut western news., 1887-07-20
GEN. LOGAN'S ESTATE.
Inventory and the Award Made to
 His Widow.

The inventory of the estate of Gen. Logan, filed in the Chicago Probate Court, together with the bill of the widows appraisement award shows: Household goods and furniture in the family residence at 2,119 Calumet ave- nue, valued at $SS5; personal property on the farm in Jackson county, consisting of farm implements, stock, etc., valued at S2, 122; one note of W. H. Hall for S250; one note of Thomas John for S200; royalty interest in the sale of book entitled ''The Great Con- spiracy." written by John A. Logan, at the rate of forty cents on each copy sold, payable at the end of each month: royal ty on book published by R. s. Peale X Co.,, entitled ''The Volunteer Soldier of Amer ica," written by John A. Logan, royalty to be about 621a cents per copy, payable monthly, after the book is issued; one 100 share in Union League Association lot and double house, 2, 119 Calumet avenue, with barn, leased for $50 per month, including use of furniture; two pieces of unimproved real estate, wild land in Franklin County, Ill.,, acquired in April, 1861; farm in Jackson County, H., containing IA acres, purchased in May, 1869; also unimprov- ed real estate in Jackson County.
 The award of the appraiser to the widow, as approved, was S6,670. Among the household effects in the inventory arc 14 bookcases, con- taining 1000 volumes of public documents, and 1,O46 volumes of miscellaneous books.
Connecticut western news., 1887-07-20
KILLED BY FIELD RATS.
Terrible Experiences of Michigan
 Haymakers Attacked by them.

On Sunday the remains of human being were found in the woods The body had been partially eaten, apparently, and was wholly unreco gnizable. An inquest was held but it brought out nothing definite. While a verdict was being rendered by the jury young man named Davis, who had been drawn by curios- ity to pay a second visit 10 the spot where the corpse was found, dashed among the jurors with badly tattered clothing, a bloody cub, and a solution of the mystery.
 The unknown man had been killed by field rats. The young man had himself been at- tackled by them while working in hay field, and had to fight for his life. When he ap- preached the fatal spot he said the vicious little creatures sprang upon him from all sides, and although he killed many of them it seemed only to whet the courage of the sur yivors. He was obliged to make a run for it, and had been followed almost to the place of inquest. some of his assailants clinging to him and biting him cruelty.
 The men returned with him and surprised the surviving rats in the act of carrying away and concealing the bodies of their dcfunct brethren.
Connecticut western news., 1887-07-20
Italy's Conflict with the Pope.

A circular letter, dated June 16, from M. Rampolla, the Papal Secretary of the State to the Papal Nuncios abroad, is published at Vienna. It says there is nothing extraordi- nary in the wishes expressed by the Pope for cessation of the conflict between the Vatican and the Government of Italy. No one can be unaware of the evils existing. The Church herself suffers from the present violent state of things. The same evils, indeed, are ob- servable in society. The wishes expressed by the Pope spring from the very nature of his divine mission. Those who believe that the Popes chari able words are intended to sanction ac- complished facts against the Church are in errcr The Roman question must be settled in such 8 manner as will secure to tho Pope complete independence and liberty of action. It is beyond the power of the Italian Govern ment to change the conditions of the Pope. It is in this light that the Nuncioss explanations must be made to tte different Governments, at the same time that they are trying to ob- tain their support in conformity with the views of the Vatican. The circular, in conclusion, points out that all States are interested in the settlement of the question.
Connecticut western news., 1887-07-20
CURRENT EVENTS ABROAD.
The military element at Sofia is becoming turbulent, and is calling for the resignation of the present Minister of War.

The military element at Sofia is becoming turbulent, and is calling for the resignation of the present Minister of War.
 The Unionists will abstain from voting on the bankruptcy clauses of the Land bill in case they are not dropped, in consequ nee of the threatened prolonged opposition on the part of the Parnellites, Gladstonians, and many Conservatives.
 Herr Miguel is likely to succeed Prince Bismarck as Prussian Minister of Commerce.
 A crowd gathered at the Quai de Hotel du Louvre in Paris crying "Vive Boulanger." They refused to disperse and Were charged up on by the Paris Guard.
 The Cologne Gazette denies that bill is being prepared to make Prince Luitpold king of Bavaria.
 Religious fanatics attempted to murder tho Grand Duchess EliZabeth-M -Mavrkieyna, wife of the Grand Duke Constantin-C Constan- tinovitch and the Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna, wife of the Grand Duke Serge.
 Prince Ferdinand will not ascend tho Bull earian throne until the consent of tho Powers has been obtained. He says treaties must be respected.
 Cholera is increasing in Sicily. Thor have already been 200 cases of the disease at spo.itans are alarmed because of tho arrival in their city of numbers of fugitives from Sic- lily. "
 Emperor William has arrived at Coblenz.
 A l.. Parent, the defaultlng cashier of tho Hochelaea Bank of Montreal, having returned the stolen funds, is angry at being prosecuted in Chicago.
 Of the 2,5OO, 900 whitefish eggs lately sent to New Zealand by Fish Commissioner Baird nearly 50 per cent matched and are doing well. They were placed in fresh water lakes in South New Zealand The first shipment of 1,O0O,0 GOO eggs proved failure.
 -Prinle Bismark has returned to Berlin.
 MT. Parnel and his followers will meet to decide upon course to be pursued in the de- bate on the Land bill.
 It is stated that Mir. Kilbride, who accom- panied MT. William O'Brien in his recent tour in America, will be nominated for Parliament to fill the vacant seat for Carlow.
 The French Chamber of Deputies, by a unanimous vote, refused to accept the resigna- tion of NJ. FloQuct as President of the Cham ber In consequence M. Floquet withdrew his resignation. The newspapers agree that M. Rouyier's pluck has secured for the Cabinet a new lease of life.
 An abridged translation of Froudc's ''Lifc of Carlyle' has just been published at Berlin. It gives. through the kindness of Prince Bis mark, the text of Bismarks letter of congratu- lation to Carlyle on the occasion of his S0th birthday and Carlyle's reply. Prince Bisnark wrote: "As you introduced Schiller to your countrymen, so you have placed before the Germans our great Prussian King ln his full figure, like living statue."
 Sir Evelyn Ashley has been nominated by the Conservatives to contest the vacant parlia- mentary seat of the Bridgeton district of Glas- gow, with Sir George Otto Trevelyan, the Gladstonian candidate.
Connecticut western news., 1887-07-20
Perc AOricu ROuuuctfo

Iere Adricn Rouquette, tho venerable priest, poet, and missionary, died on the ith inst ', at New Orleans, aged "A years. He was born ill New Orleans, educated in France, graduated in Philadelphia, and was ordained as priest by Bishop Blanc, nearly 50 years ago. He gave many years to missionary work among the Choctaws, of St. Tammany, familiarizins himself with their own vernacular in order to render his work more effective. They knew able influence over them as their leader and guide. Pere Rouquette was familiar with many tongues, and contributed much to French, American, and Italian literature
 Several volumes of his verses and two or three prose collections were published in French, and he was a frequent contributor to the local prcss His mind became affected, and for tho past year he had been resident of the Hotel Dieu, under the care of the Sisters of Charit;
Connecticut western news., 1887-07-20
DOii 2 Him au Injustice.

"I don't want that young poet around here any more," said 8 father to his daughter; Che will never amount to any thing"
 "Why, papa," responded the girl "George has discovered sure cure fol corns and bunions, and has given up poetry forever"
 "Oh, said the father, '1'm afraid I've misjudged the young man. Just let things go on as usual. n-[ New York Sun.
Connecticut western news., 1887-07-20
Murdered Chinese Miners,

Recent reports from Idaho arc to the effect that number of Chinese mining camps scat tered along the Snake River have Eeen raided. It is reported there are from fifty to sixty Chi nese miners on the Oregon side of the Snake River. about forty miles above Lewiston, and from the many mutilated remains that have foatcd down the river it is expected either In- dians or whites have raided the camp and murdered most, if not all, of the Celestials. Every few days bodies have been discovered lodged in the stream and in most cases the remains were found to have been stabbed or shot. The general impression is that tho mur- ders were committed by whites, who killed the Chinese and robbed them of their gold dust.
Connecticut western news., 1887-07-20
Prohibition in Louisiana.

A call has been issued for a Prohibition State convention, to be held in Louisiana next August, ending as follows: .'In conclusion we desire to state merely that this is a wave of that non partisan prohibition movement that is stirring so nightly in every Southern State, strictly within the lines of present political or gauizations, and which aims to draw to itself all persons of every party, crew, sex and race who can see no good reason why the norma; rate of taxation should be increased fourfoid in order that handful of men should be pro- tected in selling poison to the rest, and who propose to make this a Government of the people, for the people, and 5y the people, instead of, in the language of Canon Wiiber- for the whiskey traffic, and by the whiskey traf fie